Campus Identity
Northern State University is a small public university in Aberdeen, SD. Approximately 1,273 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. Columbia Road Reservoir is about 17 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 60/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Northern State University is a small public university in Aberdeen, SD. Approximately 1,273 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. Columbia Road Reservoir is about 17 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 60/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Northern State University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 135 miles from Huff Hills Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Northern Sun Intercollegiate
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
35°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Northern State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Huff Hills Ski Area, 135 miles away. All are within 157 miles of campus.
North Dakota
Minnesota
South Dakota
Nearby Lake
Columbia Road Reservoir is 17 miles from campus, giving Northern State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Columbia Road Reservoir
Lake access within 17.3 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Aberdeen, SD
Aberdeen has a cold climate, with winters averaging 13°F in Jan and summers peaking around 72°F in Jul.
Station: ABERDEEN REGIONAL Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northern State University in SD earns a composite safety score of 60/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,845 | $11,947 |
| Fees | $1,229 | $1,229 |
| Room & Board | $10,574 | $10,574 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,648 | $23,750 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
70 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northern State University located?
Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD. The main campus address is 1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, SD. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?
Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 93%, making it accessible. Out of 1,086 applicants, 1,010 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,273 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Northern State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Northern State University scored between 18 and 24 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 74% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Northern State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northern State University charges $8,845/year for in-state students and $11,947/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($10,574/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $11,947/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,812/year — what students actually pay. Use Northern State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Northern State University?
The undergraduate application fee at Northern State University is $20. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Northern State University have college sports?
Yes — Northern State University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Northern State University the right fit for me?
Whether Northern State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (93% admit rate), avg net price ($15,812/year after aid), campus culture in Aberdeen, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northern State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northern State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Aberdeen, SD
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Northern Sun Intercollegiate
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 35°F avg
- App Fee
- $20
- On Campus Safety Score
- 60/100
- Nearest Airport
- Aberdeen, SD (ABR) · 3 mialso ATY (75 mi), HON (75 mi)
Location
Aberdeen, SD